Sterile encapsulated operating room video monitor and video monitor support device

ABSTRACT

A sterile encapsulated operating room monitor video and video monitor support device are provided to enable a surgeon to more easily conduct endoscopic procedures. A lightweight self-contained monitor module is provided to enable the surgeon to manipulate the image of the surgical area. A video support stand which secures the video monitor in the sterile operating field allows a surgeon to precisely place the video monitor at a desired position. The video support stand includes a monitor mount with a plurality of apertures which communicate with a source of vacuum to hold a sterile drape tightly over the monitor module screen. This structure allows positioning of the video monitor in the natural line of sight of the surgeon as he or she performs an endoscopic procedure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus which provides a visual displayof a surgical site, and more particularly, to a sterile encapsulatedoperating room flat panel video monitor and flat panel video monitorsupport used in conjunction with an endoscopic camera and instrument toprovide an image of a surgical area.

BACKGROUND ART

Endoscopic procedures have become the standard in modern medicine forconducting surgical procedures which are minimally invasive. Prior tothe development of endoscopic procedures, surgery required direct visualaccess to the surgical area which oftentimes resulted in extreme traumato the patient due to large incisions and the like. With the developmentof endoscopic instruments which include video cameras that can transmitan image of the surgical site to a video display, surgical procedurescan be conducted in a less invasive manner. Although endoscopicprocedures represent a great leap forward in terms of minimizing patienttrauma, endoscopic procedures using video displays have also resulted innew problems.

One prerequisite for successful endoscopic procedures is that thesurgeon must be skilled with the use of the endoscope so that theendoscope itself does not cause unnecessary damage to the patient'stissues. In most endoscopic procedures conducted today, the surgeon mayview a standard television (TV) monitor or video screen which displaysan image of the surgical site as photographed by a video camerapositioned within or adjacent the endoscopic instrument. One problemcreated by the use of endoscopes with integral video cameras is that thesurgeon must be able to precisely manipulate the endoscope within thepatient's body while looking away from the patient and toward the remoteTV monitor. Since the standard TV monitor must be placed at a locationsubstantially remote from the patient's body, surgeons have had todevelop particular dexterity and skill in ensuring that the endoscopedoes not unintentionally damage body tissues during the surgicalprocedure.

Another problem associated with endoscopic procedures utilizing TVmonitors or video screens is that the surgeon is dependent upon anotherperson to control the exact type of image displayed on the TV monitor.More particularly, the surgeon may be able to adjust the focus of theimage by a dial located upon the endoscope; however, neither theendoscope nor the camera attached to the endoscope have controls to varythe brightness, contrast or magnification of the image. Accordingly, thesurgeon must direct operating room personnel to adjust the visualdisplay as desired.

Another problem associated with the advent of endoscopic proceduresutilizing video equipment is that since additional equipment is broughtinto the operating room, there is a concern for preventing contaminationby the equipment of the sterile field of the operating room. Electronicequipment including TV monitors tend to naturally induce or create anelectric charge causing dust which contains microbes to collect on thisequipment wherein such microbes can then be transmitted to the sterileoperating field of the operating room or surgical area. It has beenfound that a surgeon placing his hand near a TV monitor displaying animage of the surgical area can attract undesirable microbes via thedifferential in electrostatic charge between the surgeon's hand and theTV or monitor screen.

Additionally, standard TV monitors and their associated controls aretypically large and heavy and difficult to manipulate within theoperating room. Accordingly, this equipment cannot be placed directlyadjacent to the patient to enhance the surgeon's ability to manipulatethe endoscopic instrument in a visually aligned position with respect tothe surgical area.

Each of the above-identified disadvantages of current endoscopicprocedures utilizing standard video equipment is overcome by theinvention claimed herein.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a sterile encapsulated operatingroom flat panel video monitor and flat panel video monitor supportdevice are provided. In the first two embodiments of the invention, avideo support stand is provided for mounting a monitor mount thereto.Received within the monitor mount is a monitor module or flat panelvideo screen which shows images of a surgical site via imagesphotographed by a video camera in communication with an endoscopicinstrument. A sterile drape is positioned over the monitor mountsecuring the monitor module, and the drape extends over a desired lengthof the video support stand. Thus, the monitor module may be placed inthe sterile field of the operating room enabling the surgeon to alignthe monitor module with respect to the specific surgical site.Adjustments are provided on the video support stand and on the monitormount to enable the monitor module to be positioned at a preciselocation with respect to the surgical area. In the preferred embodiment,the monitor module takes the form of a very thin and lightweight videomonitor. Formed on the surface of the monitor mount are a plurality ofapertures which communicate with a source of vacuum in order that avacuum can be drawn on the interior open space covered by the drape sothat the drape is drawn tightly against the monitor module screen. Atight fitting drape over the video support stand and monitor mountreduces the possibility that the sterile drape will be ripped or tornduring use, and any distortion of the visual image displayed on themonitor module will be minimized since the drape will be held tightlyagainst the monitor module screen.

In another embodiment, the sterile operating room flat panel videomonitor and flat panel video monitor support device can be directlymounted to the side rail of the operating room table. In thisembodiment, a support arm of the device attaches to the side rail bymeans of a clamp or bracket and the monitor mount is suspended over theoperating room table at a desired location with respect to the patient.As with the previous embodiments, a sterile drape is placed over themonitor mount containing the monitor module and extends over the supportarm. A vacuum line extending adjacent the support arm communicates withapertures formed in the monitor mount so that the sterile drape may besnugly secured against the screen of the monitor module. Alternatively,a standard surgical drape can be used to cover the support arm and aseparate drape can be used to cover the monitor mount and monitor modulewhich are then mountable to the draped support arm.

In yet another embodiment, a support assembly is provided which includesa support platform for securing a standard TV monitor or laptopcomputer. A large drape is placed over the TV monitor/laptop computerand extends over a desired length of the support assembly. A vacuum portis formed on the sterile drape for attachment to an external vacuumline.

Additional advantages of this invention will become apparent from thedescription which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sterile encapsulated operating roomflat panel video monitor and flat panel video monitor support devicewhile being used in a surgical procedure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of the sterileencapsulated operating room flat panel video monitor and flat panelvideo monitor support device of this invention;

FIG. 2a is an enlarged front elevation view of a video monitor modulemounted to the video monitor support according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2b is a front elevation view of a sterile drape which covers thevideo monitor support of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sterileencapsulated operating room flat panel video monitor and flat panelvideo monitor support device of this invention;

FIG. 3a is a fragmentary perspective view of the second embodiment ofthis invention illustrating the sterile drape covering the video monitormodule;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of theencapsulated device of this invention; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of theencapsulated device of this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sterileencapsulated operating room flat panel video monitor and flat panelvideo monitor support device 10 includes a video support stand 12 forsecuring a video monitor module or video monitor 40 thereto. The videosupport stand 12 includes a base 14 which connects to a vertical support16. At the free upper end of vertical support 16 is attached an angularsupport arm 18 which has a vertical section received in vertical support16 and a horizontal section. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vertical support16 may comprise a larger lower section and a smaller upper section.Alternatively, vertical support 16 may be made of a single member ofsufficient size to adequately support arm 18 and monitor module 40. Asshown, support arm 18 may be vertically adjusted by use of verticalsupport adjustment 26 which may be in the form of a wing nut or thelike. The horizontal free end of support arm 18 may include a telescopicportion 20 which enables the support arm to be adjusted in a horizontaldirection. Arm adjustment 24 is provided to adjust the length oftelescopic portion 20 which protrudes from the horizontal free end ofsupport arm 18. A plurality of casters 15 or other wheeled mechanismsattach to the base 14 in order that the video support stand 12 may beconveniently moved from one location to another. A support arm ball 22is attached to the free end of the telescopic portion 20 and serves as apoint of universal rotation for the monitor module 40, as explainedbelow.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 2a, monitor mount 30 attaches to ball 22 of thetelescopic portion 20 by means of socket 35. Ball 22 and socket 35 serveas a ball and socket joint which enables the monitor mount 30 to berotated in an infinite number of positions about ball 22.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the support arm ball 22 and socket 35 may belocated to the side of the monitor mount 30 or, as shown in FIG. 2, theball 22 and socket 35 may be placed on the back side of monitor mount30.

Monitor mount 30 includes a monitor mounting frame 32 which isconfigured to receive the appropriate monitor module 40. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 2a, the monitor mounting frame 32 may receive a monitormodule such as those manufactured by Sony, known as "LCD MonitorModules," which have particularly thin bodies and are lightweight. Forexample, Model No. SEU-2092, manufactured by Sony, is a chassis-type LCDmonitor module having a 58 mm depth and weighing less than 2,000 grams.

As shown in FIG. 2a, monitor mount 30 may be of a box-like configurationfor receiving the monitor module 40 through a front opening sized toreceive the monitor module. In use, a sterile drape 50 is placed overthe monitor mount 30 securing the monitor module 40 and over a desiredlength of angular support arm 18 and vertical support 16. Sterile drape50 is constructed of a substantially transparent, liquid and gasimpermeable material such as polyurethane or the like. Sterile drape 50comprises a flexible body 52, a closed distal end 54 which lies adjacentto the monitor module 40, and an open proximal end 53 which may besealed against the support stand 12 by means of tape or adhesive 58.

The drape 50 may be constructed of a single type of material or,alternately, the drape may include a screen or monitor portion 56 whichis made of a material which is highly transparent and is particularlyuseful in acting as a window through which to view the monitor modulescreen 43. This screen or monitor portion may be rigid or semi-rigid andsized to fit over screen 43. Acrylic is one example of a suitablematerial for making the monitor portion 56. Such a screen portion 56 mayadditionally be coated with an anti-fogging or anti-glare agent toensure that the monitor module screen 43 remains easily viewed underdifferent conditions within the operating room.

A plurality of apertures 34 are formed in monitor mounting frame 32.Each of the apertures communicate with vacuum line 36 via internalpassages (not shown) formed in the mounting frame 32. For purposes ofillustration, vacuum line 36 is shown as being positioned exteriorly oftelescopic portion 20; however, vacuum line 36 may be placed insidetelescopic portion 20 and be routed through support arm 18 and verticalsupport arm 16. The free end of internal vacuum line 36 may then beconnected to vacuum fitting 37. An external vacuum line 39 may beconnected to the opposite side of vacuum fitting 37, the external vacuumline communicating with a source of vacuum (not shown) such as astandard operating room vacuum pump. Alternatively, a vacuum pump may beincorporated within the structure of the video support stand 12 insteadof using an external vacuum source. For example, the vacuum pump couldbe mounted on base 14 or be secured within vertical support 16.

The purpose of apertures 34 is to enable a vacuum to be drawn on theinterior open space defined by the interior surface of the sterile drapeso that the sterile drape 50 may be tightly held against the screen 43of the monitor module 40. This tight fit ensures that there is no visualdistortion of the image shown on the screen 43 of the monitor module 40.Furthermore, the tight fit of the sterile drape 50 around the monitormount 30 and monitor module 40 reduces the possibility that the steriledrape 50 will be inadvertently torn by contact during surgery. Byreducing the possibility of tearing the drape, the sterility of theoperating room field is better preserved.

It may also be desirable to provide a plurality of apertures 21 alongthe length of the vertical support 16, angular support arm 18 and/or thetelescopic portion 20. These additional apertures can assist in ensuringthat a uniform vacuum is experienced throughout the interior open spacewithin the sterile drape 50. Apertures 21 may also communicate withinternal vacuum line 36. Alternatively, vacuum line 36 may be eliminatedand apertures 21 and 34 may simply communicate with vacuum fitting 37through the hollow interior of video support stand 12. Conveniently, avacuum switch 38 is provided on the vertical support 16 and iselectrically connected to the vacuum pump in a conventional fashion,enabling operating room personnel to control the vacuum drawn on thesterile drape 50.

Monitor module 40 may include a plurality of membrane switches 42 whichare located adjacent to the monitor module screen 43. Membrane switchesmay be wired to control a desired function such as contrast,magnification, brightness and the like. Accordingly, the surgeon maydirectly control the type of image being viewed without having toinstruct other operating room personnel as to the type of desired imageto be viewed. Furthermore, since the monitor module 40 is isolated fromthe sterile operating field via the drape 50, the surgeon may freelymanipulate the image by switches 42 without concern for loss ofsterility.

In lieu of membrane switches 42, the monitor module 40 may incorporatetouch screen functioning wherein the surgeon or operating room personneltouch the monitor module screen 43 based upon the particular setup ofthe touch screen function. Such monitor modules manufactured by Sony andother manufacturers such as Texas Instruments, Xerox and Sharp areself-contained units in that the monitor modules require, at most, asingle communication cable which communicates with a video camera. Somemanufacturers make monitor modules which require no communication cablesand communicate with a video camera system by means of infrared, radio,or other electromagnetic signaling. Thus, it shall be understood thatthe monitor modules of the foregoing invention do not necessarilyrequire any communication cables in order to produce an image of thesurgical site.

According to a second embodiment of the sterile encapsulated operatingroom flat panel video monitor and flat panel video support device 10a,as shown in FIG. 3, a video support stand 60 is provided with a monitormount 80 secured to a monitor module 40 in a desired location within anoperating room. The structure of the video support stand 60 may includevertical members 62 for securing shelves 68. The bottom ends of verticalmember 62 attach to base member 64. As with the first embodiment, aplurality of casters 66 or other wheel-like mechanisms may be mounted tobase member 64 enabling the video support stand 60 to be transportedfrom one location to another.

Vertical support 69 is connected to the support stand 60 at its upperend and lower ends to a shelf 68 and base member 64, respectively.Support arm 70 includes sleeve 71 which slips over vertical support 69.Joint 72 interconnects the free end of support arm 70 to monitor mount80 enabling monitor mount 80 to be rotated to a desired position. Asshown in FIG. 3, support arm 70 may be selectively placed along thelength of the vertical support 69 in a desired position. Monitor mount80 includes monitor mounting frame 82 which differs from the monitormounting frame 32 of the first embodiment in that monitor mounting frame82 is adapted to receive the monitor module 40 by simply sliding themonitor module 40 into the space between opposing sides of parallelmounting frame extensions 83. The monitor module 40 may be held in placeby a series of grooves (not shown) formed on mounting frame extensions83 and corresponding to grooves on the monitor module 40. Alternatively,monitor module 40 may be mounted to monitor mount 80 as by screws, boltsor as otherwise well known by those skilled in the art. A plurality ofvacuum apertures 84 are formed on mounting frame 82 and communicate withvacuum line 86 via internal vacuum passages (not shown) formed inmounting frame 82. Vacuum line 86, in turn, communicates with anexternal vacuum line 88 by means of coupling 87.

Sterile drape 90 is positionable over monitor mount 80 and extends overadjacent support arm 70. When placed in position for use, the closeddistal end 94 of drape 90 fits snugly against frame extensions 83 andthe folded portion 96 of the drape 90 may be unrolled at the openproximal end 93 thereof to extend over an appropriate length of thesupport arm 70. Although being illustrated as a single piece, supportarm 70 may comprise a plurality of pieces connected by hinges to allowthe arm 70 to be folded or unfolded to a desired length. Tape 98 or anappropriate adhesive seal may be used to secure the open proximal end 93of the drape 90 and to provide an airtight barrier when a vacuum isdrawn on the drape 90. A tightly fit drape 90 ensures that no distortionof the monitor module screen 43 occurs because of the drape.

In a third embodiment of the sterile operating room video and videomonitor support device of this invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the device10b may include a support arm 100 which connects directly to the siderail R of an operating room table T. A C-clamp 106 or other appropriatetype of bracket holds support arm 100 against rail R wherein adjuster108 allows the support arm 100 to be displaced along the length of siderail R. The free end of support arm 100 includes at least one hanger(s)or hook(s) 102 which engage corresponding eye bolts 104 formed onmonitor mount 116. The monitor mount 116 shown in the embodiment of FIG.4 is similar to the monitor mount 30 illustrated in FIG. 2a. That is,monitor mount 116 includes a plurality of apertures 118 whichcommunicate with a vacuum line 86 which, in turn, connects to anoperating room vacuum source (not shown). The same type of drape 90which is shown in the embodiment in FIG. 3 may also be utilized in theembodiment shown in FIG. 4. That is, the drape is placed over themonitor mount 116 which contains the monitor module 40 and is thenextended over an appropriate length of support arm 100. Tape or adhesive98 is used to secure the open proximal end 93 of the drape to ensurethat a proper vacuum may be drawn on the drape 90.

Also, according to the third embodiment of this invention, support arm70 may be an existing arm support supplied with most operating roomtables known in the art as "ether screen supports." If such an existingarm is used, it may be enclosed inside a standard surgical drape (notshown). Then, monitor module 40 may be enclosed within drape 90. Tape oradhesive 98 is also used to ensure that a proper vacuum may be drawn onthe drape 90. Monitor module 40 which is enclosed within drape 90 maythen be attached to arm 70 which is itself enclosed within the separatestandard surgical drape. One advantage of providing a drape for arm 70and a drape for monitor module 40 is that monitor module 40 may bereplaced with another monitor without having to expose arm 70 to thesterile field of the surgical area. Whether the drape 90 extends overthe monitor module 40 and support arm 70, or whether the support arm 70has its own separate drape, the drape or drapes should extend at leastfour to six feet or more to ensure that the arm 70 and any cablesextending from monitor module 40 are isolated from the sterile field ofthe surgical area.

In a fourth embodiment of the sterile operating room video monitor andvideo monitor support device 10c of this invention, as shown in FIG. 5,a support assembly 120 is provided which includes a base 122 whichconnects to a vertical support 124. Vertical support 124 may be uniformin thickness or diameter, or may further include a telescopic portion126 which enables a standard video monitor V mounted on support platform128 to be positioned at a desired location. In lieu of the standardvideo monitor V, a laptop computer (not shown) can be mounted on supportplatform 128. A plurality of casters or wheels 123 may be mounted tobase 122 to enable the support assembly 120 to be transported to thedesired location. Large sterile drape 110 is positioned over the videomonitor V and downwardly extends over the vertical support 124. If alaptop computer is used, a drape such as drape 50 may be used so thatmonitor portion 56 covers the screen of the laptop computer. A vacuumport 112 is formed on the drape 50/110 and receives vacuum line 114which, in turn, communicates with an appropriate operating room vacuumsource. Tape or adhesive 130 is applied to the open proximal end of thedrape 50/110 to ensure a vacuum can be drawn thereon.

The operation of the sterile operating room video monitor and videomonitor support can best be seen in FIG. 1. As shown, the video supportstand 12 is positioned adjacent to the operating room table T and thetelescopic portion 20 of the support arm 18 extends over the patient's Pbody. In the type of surgical procedure being conducted, the surgeon Sis standing toward the foot of the operating table T and observes themonitor module 40 in a visually aligned position with respect to theendoscope E which is inserted into the incision I. Because of theproximity of the monitor module 40 with the respect to both the surgeonS and the surgical site, the surgeon S may manipulate the image producedon the module screen 43 without having to turn away from the surgicalsite or by having another operating room person adjust the image for thesurgeon. The sterile field is properly protected from contamination byuse of the sterile drape which is placed over the monitor mount andextends downwardly over support arm 18. In a normal operating procedure,the endoscope E has a drape D attached at its proximal end which coversthe trailing cables of the endoscope/video camera combination.

Although the application of the foregoing invention is particularlysuited for surgery as conducted by medical doctors, the above-describedinvention is equally applicable and useful in dental surgery or dentalprocedures. Thus, each of the above-identified embodiments can be usedby a dentist or oral surgeon who may wish to view the mouth area of apatient. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention disclosedherein is not restricted solely to surgical procedures conducted bymedical doctors, but also extends to any type of procedure whereinviewing of a patient is desired.

In accordance with the invention described above, numerous problemsassociated with the use of video equipment in endoscopic procedures canbe overcome. Since the video support stand 12 provides a means by whicha surgeon may position a video image of the surgical site, the surgeonis able to maintain visual alignment with respect to the surgical areawhich greatly enhances the surgeon's ability to manipulate an endoscope.Because of the self-contained monitor module which is small andlightweight, and also has integral switches for controlling the type ofimage viewed, the surgeon may easily adjust the type of image to beviewed as well as position the monitor module with a minimum amount ofdisruption during a surgical procedure. By the use of the sterile drapewhich completely encloses a desired portion of the video support standand monitor module which may be in contact with the sterile field of theoperating room, sterility is not sacrificed at the cost of improvedimaging capability.

This invention has been described in detail with reference to particularembodiments thereof, but it will be understood that various othermodifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A monitor mount for supporting an operating roomvideo monitor in a sterile field of an operating room and adapted tocooperate with a sterile drape to evacuate air between the drape andmonitor mount, said device comprising:a monitor mounting frame forreleasably holding the video monitor in a desired position, said frameenclosing at least a portion of the video monitor when the video monitoris mounted therein; means for creating a vacuum said creating meansattached to said monitor mount to induce a vacuum on said monitormounting frame; and a first plurality of spaced apertures formed in saidmonitor mounting frame remote from the video monitor, said aperturesbeing communicable with the source of vacuum or being spaced to causethe drape to collapse around said monitor mounting frame when the vacuumis induced therein.
 2. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, furtherincluding:a support arm connected to said monitor mounting frame forpositioning said monitor mounting frame at a desired location within thesterile field.
 3. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, furtherincluding:a second plurality of spaced apertures formed in said supportarm communicable with the source of vacuum.
 4. An apparatus, as claimedin claim 2, wherein said support arm includes a telescopic portion. 5.The device, as claimed in claim 2, further including:a ball and socketjoint interconnecting said support arm and said monitor mounting frame.6. In combination, a video support stand and sterile drape forsupporting an operating room video monitor and enclosing the videomonitor from the sterile field of an operating room, the video monitorincluding at least one detachable communication cable and a viewingscreen, said combination comprising:a video support stand having amonitor mount including a monitor mounting frame for releasably holdingthe operating room video monitor in a desired position, said monitormounting frame including a plurality of spaced apertures formed thereinthat communicate with a source of vacuum external to said monitor mount;a support arm connected to said monitor mount for selectively placingsaid monitor mounting frame in a desired position within the sterilefield; a vertical support attached to said support arm for positioningsaid support arm in the desired position; a sterile drape including aflexible body portion and an inner surface defining an interior openspace for enclosing the video monitor therein, said sterile drapeincluding a vacuum port formed on said flexible body portion; and avacuum line having first and second ends, said first end of said vacuumline connected to said sterile drape and over said vacuum port enablingair to be removed from the interior open space of said sterile drape,said second end of said vacuum line being connectable to the source ofvacuum.
 7. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, further including:avacuum switch positioned on said video support stand for selectivelycontrolling the vacuum applied to the interior open space.
 8. Thecombination, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sterile drape furtherincludes:a substantially transparent window portion integral with saidflexible body portion and positionable over the viewing screen of thevideo monitor enabling an image produced on the viewing screen to beviewed without distortion.
 9. The combination, as claimed in claim 8,wherein:said substantially transparent window portion is substantiallyrigid.
 10. The combination, as claimed in claim 6, further including:aplurality of casters attached to said video support stand enabling saidvideo support stand to be transported to a desired location.
 11. Thecombination, as claimed in claim 6, further including:a plurality ofshelves connected to said video support stand for selective storage ofoperating room supplies and equipment.
 12. In combination, a videosupport stand, a video monitor, and a sterile drape for providing asterile video image of a surgical area at a desired location within thesterile field of an operating room, said combination comprising:a videosupport stand including a monitor mount having a monitor mounting frame,said monitor mounting frame including a plurality of spaced aperturesformed therein that communicate with a source of vacuum external to saidmonitor mount; a support arm connected to said monitor mount forselectively placing said monitor mounting frame in a desired positionwithin the sterile field; a vertical support attached to said supportarm for positioning said support arm in the desired position; a videomonitor including a viewing screen for viewing the surgical area, saidvideo monitor being selectively mountable on said monitor mount; asterile drape including a flexible body portion and an inner surfacedefining an interior open space for enclosing the video monitor therein,said sterile drape including a vacuum port formed on said flexible bodyportion; and a vacuum line having first and second ends, said first endof said vacuum line connected to said sterile drape and over said vacuumport enabling air to be removed from the interior open space of saidsterile drape, said second end of said vacuum line being connectable tothe source of vacuum.
 13. A combination, as claimed in claim 12, furtherincluding:a vacuum switch positioned on said video support stand forselectively controlling the vacuum applied to the interior open space.14. The combination, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said video monitorfurther includes:a plurality of membrane switches located adjacent saidviewing screen for manipulation of an image produced on said viewingscreen.
 15. The combination, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said videomonitor further includes:a plurality of touch screen switches locatableon said viewing screen for manipulation of an image produced on saidviewing screen.
 16. In combination, a video support stand and steriledrape for supporting an operating room video monitor and isolating thevideo monitor from the sterile field of an operating room, saidcombination comprising:a video support stand including a supportplatform for positioning the video monitor thereon; a sterile drapeincluding a flexible body portion and an inner surface defining aninterior open space for enclosing the video monitor and a portion ofsaid video support stand therein, said sterile drape including a vacuumport formed on said flexible body portion; a vacuum line having firstand second ends, said first end of said vacuum line connected to saidsterile drape and over said vacuum port enabling air to be removed fromthe interior open space of said sterile drape, said second end of saidvacuum line being connectable to a source of vacuum external to saidvideo support stand.
 17. A method of providing a visual image of asurgical area within the sterile field of an operating room, said methodcomprising the steps of:providing an endoscopic instrument to be used ina surgical procedure; providing a video camera in communication with theendoscope for recording images of a surgical area; providing a videomonitor that is enclosed within a sterile drape wherein the videomonitor maintains communication with the video camera for producingimages of the surgical area recorded by the video camera; drawing avacuum on the interior space within the drape resulting in the drapebeing held in contact against the viewing screen of the video monitor;and placing the video monitor within the sterile field of the operatingroom for viewing by a surgeon conducting the surgical procedure.
 18. Amethod, as claimed in claim 17, including the further stepof:manipulating the position of the video monitor in an aligned positionwith respect to the surgical area so that the video monitor can beviewed by the surgeon in a substantially visually aligned position inrelationship to the surgical area as surgery is being performed.